A ROYAL British Legion veteran will be honoured by the council with a prestigious award later this month.

Edna Crabtree, 77, will be awarded for 26 years’ service with the RBL when she is given a Ruby Award, launched to mark 40 years of Hyndburn Council.

Mrs Crabtree, who lives in Byrom Close, Oswaldtwistle, said: “It’s a big thing for me actually. It’s a big award because I have done 26 years with the Church and Oswaldtwistle branch and now I’m chairman.

“I have worked my way up, and I have done 15 years on the poppy appeal too.

“My late father was in the First World War, and my uncles too. Both my brothers were in the forces. One was in the RAF and one was in the army.

“I fancied going in the RAF but my mum said no, and said I had to go in the mill.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, council leader said: “I’m delighted Mrs Crabtree is to receive the Oswaldtwistle Ruby Award. Mrs Crabtree is another shining example of the wonderful people we have here in Hyndburn, who give their time and energy freely, doing great work in their communities and making where they live a better place.”

President of Oswaldtwistle’s RBL branch, Cllr Peter Britcliffe said: “Mrs Edna Crabtree is a tremendous stalwart of Church & Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion which is so important to the town. Edna has organised the Poppy Appeal, raising funds for this worthy cause and is a great person to have in Oswaldtwistle.”

The Ruby Award is presented to a recipient from each area in Hyndburn throughout 2014/15.

Mrs Crabtree’s nomination said: “Mrs Crabtree has been a stalwart member of Church and Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion.

“Each task she undertook and position she held benefited from her many years of experience in charity work for our Armed Forces.”